CA1242523A - Modular computer system - Google Patents
Modular computer systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242523A CA1242523A CA000459018A CA459018A CA1242523A CA 1242523 A CA1242523 A CA 1242523A CA 000459018 A CA000459018 A CA 000459018A CA 459018 A CA459018 A CA 459018A CA 1242523 A CA1242523 A CA 1242523A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- computer system
- chassis
- module
- modular computer
- unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/20—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
- H05K7/20709—Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating for server racks or cabinets; for data centers, e.g. 19-inch computer racks
- H05K7/20718—Forced ventilation of a gaseous coolant
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/18—Packaging or power distribution
- G06F1/181—Enclosures
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/20—Cooling means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/0021—Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/18—Construction of rack or frame
Abstract
MODULAR COMPUTER SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A computer system made up of a plurality of at least three modules which are arranged horizontally in a row in a side-by-side relationship is disclosed. Each module includes a rectangular box shaped chassis containing a sub-system of a computer system, one of the sub-systems comprising, a power supply unit, another sub-system comprising a central processing unit and another sub-system comprising a data storage unit.
The chassis in each module are generally similar in size and external configuration. Removable slide bars mechanically interlock adjacent chassis so as to provide a generally rigid structure and electrical connectors mounted on the side walls of each chassis carry the backplane signals from one module to the next. Plastic panels snap on to the back, top and front of each chassis as well as the outer side wall of each end module to provide outside covers. A blower located in the module containing the power supply unit generates a stream of air which is used to cool the rower supply unit module as well as each one of the other modules . The modular housing arrangement provides individual and overall content flexibility, a multi-unit structure which can be easily moved without disassembly and easy maintenance.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A computer system made up of a plurality of at least three modules which are arranged horizontally in a row in a side-by-side relationship is disclosed. Each module includes a rectangular box shaped chassis containing a sub-system of a computer system, one of the sub-systems comprising, a power supply unit, another sub-system comprising a central processing unit and another sub-system comprising a data storage unit.
The chassis in each module are generally similar in size and external configuration. Removable slide bars mechanically interlock adjacent chassis so as to provide a generally rigid structure and electrical connectors mounted on the side walls of each chassis carry the backplane signals from one module to the next. Plastic panels snap on to the back, top and front of each chassis as well as the outer side wall of each end module to provide outside covers. A blower located in the module containing the power supply unit generates a stream of air which is used to cool the rower supply unit module as well as each one of the other modules . The modular housing arrangement provides individual and overall content flexibility, a multi-unit structure which can be easily moved without disassembly and easy maintenance.
Description
-~
B~l;CNOl;NI) Ol: TilE INVENTION
The present invention relates Fenerally to a computer system and more particularly to a modular computer system.
In the past, the printed circuit boards and mechanical conponents impleri~enting the various sub-systems of a col.lputer system have usually been stac~ed vertically in a single cabinet type housing and secured in place with bolts or screws. The size and shape of the housing has been determined largely by the nuMber, size and contents of the coMponents of the sub-1~ systerms in the system at the time a system is purchased by auser. Very often, each sub-system includes it own power supply unit.
One of the problems with thi.s arranp,ement is that the overall size of the cabinet and hence the space avai~able inside lS the cabinet for mounting the elements of the sub-systems is fixed. Thus, if a cabinet is sized to accommodate Four sub-systems having a certain number of elements (i.e. printed ci.rcuit boards, drive units, etc.) and tht overall system only contains three sub-syster.ls, some of thc space i~ usually wastecl. On
B~l;CNOl;NI) Ol: TilE INVENTION
The present invention relates Fenerally to a computer system and more particularly to a modular computer system.
In the past, the printed circuit boards and mechanical conponents impleri~enting the various sub-systems of a col.lputer system have usually been stac~ed vertically in a single cabinet type housing and secured in place with bolts or screws. The size and shape of the housing has been determined largely by the nuMber, size and contents of the coMponents of the sub-1~ systerms in the system at the time a system is purchased by auser. Very often, each sub-system includes it own power supply unit.
One of the problems with thi.s arranp,ement is that the overall size of the cabinet and hence the space avai~able inside lS the cabinet for mounting the elements of the sub-systems is fixed. Thus, if a cabinet is sized to accommodate Four sub-systems having a certain number of elements (i.e. printed ci.rcuit boards, drive units, etc.) and tht overall system only contains three sub-syster.ls, some of thc space i~ usually wastecl. On
2 the other hand, if a cabinet is sized to accolllmoclate Four sub-systems, a fifth sub-system may not be able to be added into that cabinet even though the additional sub-system may be desired by the user. Another problem with this arranFement l is that becuase the components are stacked vcrtically, the 25 ¦ cabinet is not particularly suited f~or mountinp on a desk or ¦ table. Still another problem with this arrangement is that ¦ the cabling used to interconnect the electrical elements is ¦ often very cumbersome and complicated making installation and ¦ servicing rather difficult. Yet still another problem with 30 ¦ this arrangment is that any new boards that are added must be 9 iZ ed ac C O rding to eho ~1 ensions oi che cab iDe e ~
Accorclinr~ly, it is an ob jcct of this invention to provide a new and i.mproved computer system.
It Ls another object of this invention to provide a computer system in which the individual units making up the system are each contained in a separate module.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a modular type computer system in which the modules may be mechanically interlocked so as to form a substantially rigid structure and may be easily electrically interconnected.
It is still a further object of this invention to provi le a computer system containing a plurality of modules which may be selectively conbined according to a user's needs or require-ments into a computer unit that is a substantially rip,id structur .
It is another object of this invention to provide a computer system which does not require extensive cabling to connect the various units making up the system.
It is still another object o~ this invention to provide a modular type com?uter system having a central cooling systerD.
It is yet still another object of this invention to provide a modular type computer system which includes onc r.lodule containing a power supply unit for powering the entire system.
It is another object of this invention to provide a computer system which is suited for mount:ing on a des!i or table.
It is still another object of this invention to providc a computer system comprisinp. a plurality of modu1cs which may be electrically and mechanically interconnected to forM a complete system, each module have su'ostantially tl-e saTile external configuration.
. ~ .. _ __ .~.. __ .. . . . . .
~ 3 S Mi~L~\RY OF 'l'lli~ LNV_11 LO;I
A computer SysteM constructed according to the teachings of the present invention comprises three modules which are adapted to be positioned in a row in side-by-side relationship.
Each module includes a rectangular box shaped chassis. One chassis contains a power supply unit, another chassis contains a central processing unit and the third chassis contains a data storage unit. Means are provided for use in interlocking adjacent chassis so as to provide a generally rigi(l structure and means are provided on the side walls of each ch~ssis Eor carrying the bclckplane signals from the unit in one chnssis to the next.
Various objects and advantclges will appear from the description to follow In the description, reference is mflde to the accompanying drawing wltich Eorms a ?art thereoE, and in which is shown by way of illustration, a speciEic emlao(li(llent Eor practi.cing the invention. This embodiment will be described in sufEicient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope oE the invention. The .Eollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a lilt~iting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
~ 2~c~
~ ,~
3RIEF ~ESCRI1'TION OF T~!E DRAWIhGS
In the c1rawings wherein like reEerence numerals represent li~c parts:
Fig. l is a simplified perspective pictorial representation of an embodiment of a n1odular computer system constructed accordin~ to the teachinp~s oE the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the modular computer SySteD1 of Fig. l, with one of the modules rotated slightly to show 1Dore clearly the mechanical coupling anc1 locking arran~ement ancl;
Fig. 3 is a partially exploded and partially broken away vie~/ of the CPU module in the data processing system in Fiy,. l, with the CPU unit omitted.
3L~J~
DET~\ILD DESCRlP'L'lON OF Pi`cr:ERRED l.MPODIMENT
The present invention is directed to a computer system which is macle up of a plurality of modules which may be positioned in a row in side-by-side relationship, mechanieally S interlocked so as to fonn a generally rigid structure and electrically interconnected so that electrieal si~,nals ean be transmitted from one module to the next.
Eaeh module ineludes a box shaped ehassis containin~
a sub-systesn of a computer unit such AS a power supply or a central proeessinF, unit. ~aeh ehassis is internally confip,ured to aeeom~nodate the speeifie sub-system eontained therein but is otherwise generally sir,lilar to every other ehassis. Each ehassis eontains a pair of eleetrieal eonneetors, one on each side wall, so that it may be electrieally conneeted to another ehassis whieh may positioned adjaeent thereto. Protrusions on one side wall of a ehassis and holes on the other side wall enable ad~acently positioned ehassis to mate and slide bars insertable through the protrusions interloek adjaeent ehassis.
A blower in one module generates a stream of air ~-hich is used to eool all of the modules.
The numher and contencs of the modules is dependcnt on the user's re(luirernents.
One aclvantage ~f the invention is that the eontents are l flexible snd ean be easily ehanged by simply acldinr or removin~
2S ¦ modules or the eontents within a module. Another advantar.e .... ~ . . _. . _ .. .. ... .
~ ,5~3 I
¦ of the lnvention ls that lt does not re(luire cabling for ¦ intereonnectinp, sub-systems. i~nother a-lvantage o:E the invention ¦ is that it lends itself to mounting on a clesh or table top.
¦ Still another advant.age oE the invention is that a fully ¦ asselllbled systcm r,lay be easily r.oved Erocl one locAtion to another.
¦ ReEerring now to the drawings, flncl first to Fi~s. I and ?
¦ there is illustrated an ec~bodiolellt oE a modular computer syster, ¦ constructecl according to the teachinps of the present invention ¦ and identified ~enerally by reEerence numeral 11.
10 ¦ System 11 includes a first module 13 having a power supply ¦ unit, a seeond moclule 15 having a central proeessing unit, a ¦ third module 17 having a Winehester disk drive unit ancl a fourth ¦ module 19 having a floppy disk dr:ive unit.
¦ It is to 'oe understood that the number of modules sho~m is 1 j ¦ by way oE example only. Theoretieally, the miniclum number of ¦ modules eould be two, narnely, a eentral proeessing unit Moùule ¦ and a power supply unit module. However, in actuality, the ¦ minimum number of modules is preferably three, narnely a power ¦ supply unit module, a central proeessin~ unit modul e and a clata 20 ¦ storage unit module. The manimum number of modules eould be ¦ greater than four, the aetual number and contents dependinv, on ¦ the design characteristics of the units contained in the rasic ¦ modules.
¦ As can be seen, power unit module 13 is at the right end 25 ¦ of the assernbly, central processing unit module 15 is located ~ next to power unit module 13, Winchester unlt module 17 is loeatec ¦ next to central processing unit module 15 and floppy dislc module ¦ 19 is located next to Winchester unit module 17. Power unit module 13 is at the ri.ght end becau~;e it includes a bLower which generates a strear.l of air that Elows fro-,ll ri.ght to le~t and the rloppy disk module 19 is preferahLy located as far as po~ssiole Lrom the blower so as not to oe er~ected by the noise. Other-wise, the order in which the moduLes arrange(l i.s a matter of choice.
The modular assemio]y further includes a generally rectanp,ular cover panel 21 at the right end and a generally rectangul~ir cover panel 23 at the left end. Panels 21 and 23 are plastic.
Each module includes electrical and/or mechanical compnnents implementing the particular unit contained therein. Thus, module 13 includes a power supply 25 which provide~s operating power to each one of the other modules. In addi.tion, mo~ule 13 also includes a blower 27 which E~enerates a stream of coolinE~, air which is used to cool all of the modules. ~iodule 15 includes a central porcessing unit 29, module 17 inclules a Winchester disk drive 31 and module 19 includes a floppy disk drive 33. For simplicity, the components implementing these Imits are shown simply as blocks, the particular details of each unit not being a part of the invention.
The details of construction of central processing unit module 15 are more clearly shown in Fiv. 3. For simplicity, the t;PU 29 (block) is omitted.
As can be seen, module 15 includes a generally rectangular box shaped chassis 35 which is made of metal and which includes a rectangular back wall 4l, a rectnngular rivht side wall 43, a rectangular left side wall 45 and an open front. Chassis 35 ~ 5~
may be 4.5" wid! by 9" hi.F,h by 12" deep. The walls 37, 39, 41 and 43 are Fi.xedly secured to one another by any suitable Means, such as welding. Top wall 37 i,ncludes a pluraltiy of ventilation slots 47. ~`iottorn wall 39 ineludes a plurality of S internally formed grooves 49 for holdinp printed circuit boasds ~of CPU 29) and a pluraltiy of ventilation sloss 51. Back wall 41 contains a hole 53, for a switeh (not shown) for CPU 29.
A first pair of lockinp~ holes 55-1 and 55-2, a second pair oE
loeking holes 47-1 and 57-2 and an aligning hole 58 are foniled in right side wall 43. A first pair of loel;ing protrusions 59-1 and 59-2, a seeond pair of loekinp, protrusions 61-l and 61-2 and an aligning protrusion 62 are Eormed in left side wall 45. A female eonneetor 63 is Eixedly rnounted by a suitable means (not shown) in an opening on right side wf~ 3 near the bae;; and a male eonnector 65 is Eixedly rnounted boy a suitable means (not shown) in an openinp, On left side T,;nll 45 oear the bacl;. Connector 63 is used to electrically coimect modu]e 15 to module 13 while connector 65 is used to electrically connect module 15 to iilodule 17. Connectors 63 and 65 are each coupled to a printed circuit board (not sho~m) in CPli 2.
I.oeking holes 55 and 57 an-l loeking protrusions 59 and 61 are used for interloeking ehassis 35 to its ad,~aeent ehassis as will hereinafter be explained. hligning hole 58 and aligning protrusion 62 are used for alignin&; ehassis 35 with its adjaeent chassis and the two connectors 63 and 65 are used for passing bacl;plane signals from chassis 35 to the chassis adj acent there to .
_9 ... ... _ _ _ .. _ _, . __ ,_ ... . . .. ... .. .... . . ...
--~ ~ z~
~ baffle 67 which i9 made of metnl or other sultable material, is mo~mted underneath chassis 35 and fixedly secured ther0to by any suitable means s~lch as screws, not shown.
Baffle 67 which has the general conf~ ration oE a U shaped bracket includes a front wall 69,a perEorated side wall 71~
a buck wall 75, an open hottom llll(l an onen top. The ~-~rrfor.ltions on side wall 71 enable a portion of a strrarn of air impi,rl~,infn thereon to pass through (as will hereinafter be explained).
A rectan~lular channel shaped base pllte 75 which is ma(le of metal is fixedly attached to chassis 35 underneath barfle 67 by screws (not shown). I~esides servin~, iS a support for chassis 35, base plate 7; functions as a plenum or sir d~lct, as will be hereinafter cxplained.
~lodule 15 further includes a back cover panel 77, a top cover panel 79, a shiel(l plate 81 and a front cover panel 83.
~ack cover 77 is made of p].lstic, includes a pluraltiy of ventiiation slots 85 and is provided with a set of tabs 87 and 88 so that it may be snap locked onto base pla~e 7; and top cover panel 79. Top cover panel 79 is made of plastic, includes a plurallty of ventilation slots 91 and is provided with a set of tabs 93 on ench side edEte so that it may be snnp loched onto chassis 35. Shield pl.ate 81 is rnade of metal and is snap locked onto chassis 35. Front cover 83 is made of plastic and is snap locked onto top cover 43 and base rplate 75. ¦
~hield plate 81 scrves as an electrical shield.
~lodule 13 includes a chassis 101, a base plate 39, a baffle 67 and a set of covers iO3, 91 and 107. Chassis lOl differs fro(n chassis 35 only in its internal confi~uration (to accommodate the different components contained thereln). Covers ... .. ... . ... ............
- ~
103 and :l07 dirfer from covers 77 and 83 on~y with respect to thelr access slots (it any). Ilodules 17 and 19 each include a chassis, 109 and 111, respectively, a base plate 39, a bafEle 67 and a set of back covers 113, and 115 respectively, a top cover 91 and a set of front covers 117 and 119 respectively.
~lodules 13, 17 and 19 may also include a shield plclte 81, if needed. Chassis 109 and 111 d:i~fer .from chassis 37 only in their internal configuration. Back covcrs 113 and 115 and front covers 117 and 119 differ from covers 41 and 47 only with respect to their access slots ~iE any).
When the modules are positioned side by side, the male protrusions 59 and 61 in the left side wall oE one chassis extend through the slots 55 and 57 in the right side wall of the lcft adJacent chassis and the alignin~; tab 62 on the left side wall of one chassis extends through alipninp~ hole 5&
in the right side wall of the leEt adjacent chassis. l~djacent chassis nre locked topether by a pair of slide bars 121-l and 121-2 which extend throuh slots 122-1 and 122-Z formed in a flange 123 on each left side wall and throu&h each pair of protrusions. Slide bars 121 are maintained in place by retainin clips 125 which clip over the slide bars onto flange 123.
In the operation of system 1l, the modules are cooled by a flow of air generated by blower which is directed through the duct in each module and which exits through the ventilation slots formed in the chassis and covers. The perforated wal]
~3 in the baffle underneath each chnssis di.rects a part of the stream cooling air up into the chassis and allows some of the air to pass through to the next module.
, ~
~ 3 '~he embodiment of the preserlt invention is intended to be rilerely exemplary and those .skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it witho~lt departing Eror.l the spirit of the present invention.
~11 s~ch variations and modiEi.cations are in~:ended to be within the scol)e of the present invet:ion as deEine(i in the ~Ipp~n~ d c LAim5
Accorclinr~ly, it is an ob jcct of this invention to provide a new and i.mproved computer system.
It Ls another object of this invention to provide a computer system in which the individual units making up the system are each contained in a separate module.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a modular type computer system in which the modules may be mechanically interlocked so as to form a substantially rigid structure and may be easily electrically interconnected.
It is still a further object of this invention to provi le a computer system containing a plurality of modules which may be selectively conbined according to a user's needs or require-ments into a computer unit that is a substantially rip,id structur .
It is another object of this invention to provide a computer system which does not require extensive cabling to connect the various units making up the system.
It is still another object o~ this invention to provide a modular type com?uter system having a central cooling systerD.
It is yet still another object of this invention to provide a modular type computer system which includes onc r.lodule containing a power supply unit for powering the entire system.
It is another object of this invention to provide a computer system which is suited for mount:ing on a des!i or table.
It is still another object of this invention to providc a computer system comprisinp. a plurality of modu1cs which may be electrically and mechanically interconnected to forM a complete system, each module have su'ostantially tl-e saTile external configuration.
. ~ .. _ __ .~.. __ .. . . . . .
~ 3 S Mi~L~\RY OF 'l'lli~ LNV_11 LO;I
A computer SysteM constructed according to the teachings of the present invention comprises three modules which are adapted to be positioned in a row in side-by-side relationship.
Each module includes a rectangular box shaped chassis. One chassis contains a power supply unit, another chassis contains a central processing unit and the third chassis contains a data storage unit. Means are provided for use in interlocking adjacent chassis so as to provide a generally rigi(l structure and means are provided on the side walls of each ch~ssis Eor carrying the bclckplane signals from the unit in one chnssis to the next.
Various objects and advantclges will appear from the description to follow In the description, reference is mflde to the accompanying drawing wltich Eorms a ?art thereoE, and in which is shown by way of illustration, a speciEic emlao(li(llent Eor practi.cing the invention. This embodiment will be described in sufEicient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope oE the invention. The .Eollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a lilt~iting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
~ 2~c~
~ ,~
3RIEF ~ESCRI1'TION OF T~!E DRAWIhGS
In the c1rawings wherein like reEerence numerals represent li~c parts:
Fig. l is a simplified perspective pictorial representation of an embodiment of a n1odular computer system constructed accordin~ to the teachinp~s oE the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of the modular computer SySteD1 of Fig. l, with one of the modules rotated slightly to show 1Dore clearly the mechanical coupling anc1 locking arran~ement ancl;
Fig. 3 is a partially exploded and partially broken away vie~/ of the CPU module in the data processing system in Fiy,. l, with the CPU unit omitted.
3L~J~
DET~\ILD DESCRlP'L'lON OF Pi`cr:ERRED l.MPODIMENT
The present invention is directed to a computer system which is macle up of a plurality of modules which may be positioned in a row in side-by-side relationship, mechanieally S interlocked so as to fonn a generally rigid structure and electrically interconnected so that electrieal si~,nals ean be transmitted from one module to the next.
Eaeh module ineludes a box shaped ehassis containin~
a sub-systesn of a computer unit such AS a power supply or a central proeessinF, unit. ~aeh ehassis is internally confip,ured to aeeom~nodate the speeifie sub-system eontained therein but is otherwise generally sir,lilar to every other ehassis. Each ehassis eontains a pair of eleetrieal eonneetors, one on each side wall, so that it may be electrieally conneeted to another ehassis whieh may positioned adjaeent thereto. Protrusions on one side wall of a ehassis and holes on the other side wall enable ad~acently positioned ehassis to mate and slide bars insertable through the protrusions interloek adjaeent ehassis.
A blower in one module generates a stream of air ~-hich is used to eool all of the modules.
The numher and contencs of the modules is dependcnt on the user's re(luirernents.
One aclvantage ~f the invention is that the eontents are l flexible snd ean be easily ehanged by simply acldinr or removin~
2S ¦ modules or the eontents within a module. Another advantar.e .... ~ . . _. . _ .. .. ... .
~ ,5~3 I
¦ of the lnvention ls that lt does not re(luire cabling for ¦ intereonnectinp, sub-systems. i~nother a-lvantage o:E the invention ¦ is that it lends itself to mounting on a clesh or table top.
¦ Still another advant.age oE the invention is that a fully ¦ asselllbled systcm r,lay be easily r.oved Erocl one locAtion to another.
¦ ReEerring now to the drawings, flncl first to Fi~s. I and ?
¦ there is illustrated an ec~bodiolellt oE a modular computer syster, ¦ constructecl according to the teachinps of the present invention ¦ and identified ~enerally by reEerence numeral 11.
10 ¦ System 11 includes a first module 13 having a power supply ¦ unit, a seeond moclule 15 having a central proeessing unit, a ¦ third module 17 having a Winehester disk drive unit ancl a fourth ¦ module 19 having a floppy disk dr:ive unit.
¦ It is to 'oe understood that the number of modules sho~m is 1 j ¦ by way oE example only. Theoretieally, the miniclum number of ¦ modules eould be two, narnely, a eentral proeessing unit Moùule ¦ and a power supply unit module. However, in actuality, the ¦ minimum number of modules is preferably three, narnely a power ¦ supply unit module, a central proeessin~ unit modul e and a clata 20 ¦ storage unit module. The manimum number of modules eould be ¦ greater than four, the aetual number and contents dependinv, on ¦ the design characteristics of the units contained in the rasic ¦ modules.
¦ As can be seen, power unit module 13 is at the right end 25 ¦ of the assernbly, central processing unit module 15 is located ~ next to power unit module 13, Winchester unlt module 17 is loeatec ¦ next to central processing unit module 15 and floppy dislc module ¦ 19 is located next to Winchester unit module 17. Power unit module 13 is at the ri.ght end becau~;e it includes a bLower which generates a strear.l of air that Elows fro-,ll ri.ght to le~t and the rloppy disk module 19 is preferahLy located as far as po~ssiole Lrom the blower so as not to oe er~ected by the noise. Other-wise, the order in which the moduLes arrange(l i.s a matter of choice.
The modular assemio]y further includes a generally rectanp,ular cover panel 21 at the right end and a generally rectangul~ir cover panel 23 at the left end. Panels 21 and 23 are plastic.
Each module includes electrical and/or mechanical compnnents implementing the particular unit contained therein. Thus, module 13 includes a power supply 25 which provide~s operating power to each one of the other modules. In addi.tion, mo~ule 13 also includes a blower 27 which E~enerates a stream of coolinE~, air which is used to cool all of the modules. ~iodule 15 includes a central porcessing unit 29, module 17 inclules a Winchester disk drive 31 and module 19 includes a floppy disk drive 33. For simplicity, the components implementing these Imits are shown simply as blocks, the particular details of each unit not being a part of the invention.
The details of construction of central processing unit module 15 are more clearly shown in Fiv. 3. For simplicity, the t;PU 29 (block) is omitted.
As can be seen, module 15 includes a generally rectangular box shaped chassis 35 which is made of metal and which includes a rectangular back wall 4l, a rectnngular rivht side wall 43, a rectangular left side wall 45 and an open front. Chassis 35 ~ 5~
may be 4.5" wid! by 9" hi.F,h by 12" deep. The walls 37, 39, 41 and 43 are Fi.xedly secured to one another by any suitable Means, such as welding. Top wall 37 i,ncludes a pluraltiy of ventilation slots 47. ~`iottorn wall 39 ineludes a plurality of S internally formed grooves 49 for holdinp printed circuit boasds ~of CPU 29) and a pluraltiy of ventilation sloss 51. Back wall 41 contains a hole 53, for a switeh (not shown) for CPU 29.
A first pair of lockinp~ holes 55-1 and 55-2, a second pair oE
loeking holes 47-1 and 57-2 and an aligning hole 58 are foniled in right side wall 43. A first pair of loel;ing protrusions 59-1 and 59-2, a seeond pair of loekinp, protrusions 61-l and 61-2 and an aligning protrusion 62 are Eormed in left side wall 45. A female eonneetor 63 is Eixedly rnounted by a suitable means (not shown) in an opening on right side wf~ 3 near the bae;; and a male eonnector 65 is Eixedly rnounted boy a suitable means (not shown) in an openinp, On left side T,;nll 45 oear the bacl;. Connector 63 is used to electrically coimect modu]e 15 to module 13 while connector 65 is used to electrically connect module 15 to iilodule 17. Connectors 63 and 65 are each coupled to a printed circuit board (not sho~m) in CPli 2.
I.oeking holes 55 and 57 an-l loeking protrusions 59 and 61 are used for interloeking ehassis 35 to its ad,~aeent ehassis as will hereinafter be explained. hligning hole 58 and aligning protrusion 62 are used for alignin&; ehassis 35 with its adjaeent chassis and the two connectors 63 and 65 are used for passing bacl;plane signals from chassis 35 to the chassis adj acent there to .
_9 ... ... _ _ _ .. _ _, . __ ,_ ... . . .. ... .. .... . . ...
--~ ~ z~
~ baffle 67 which i9 made of metnl or other sultable material, is mo~mted underneath chassis 35 and fixedly secured ther0to by any suitable means s~lch as screws, not shown.
Baffle 67 which has the general conf~ ration oE a U shaped bracket includes a front wall 69,a perEorated side wall 71~
a buck wall 75, an open hottom llll(l an onen top. The ~-~rrfor.ltions on side wall 71 enable a portion of a strrarn of air impi,rl~,infn thereon to pass through (as will hereinafter be explained).
A rectan~lular channel shaped base pllte 75 which is ma(le of metal is fixedly attached to chassis 35 underneath barfle 67 by screws (not shown). I~esides servin~, iS a support for chassis 35, base plate 7; functions as a plenum or sir d~lct, as will be hereinafter cxplained.
~lodule 15 further includes a back cover panel 77, a top cover panel 79, a shiel(l plate 81 and a front cover panel 83.
~ack cover 77 is made of p].lstic, includes a pluraltiy of ventiiation slots 85 and is provided with a set of tabs 87 and 88 so that it may be snap locked onto base pla~e 7; and top cover panel 79. Top cover panel 79 is made of plastic, includes a plurallty of ventilation slots 91 and is provided with a set of tabs 93 on ench side edEte so that it may be snnp loched onto chassis 35. Shield pl.ate 81 is rnade of metal and is snap locked onto chassis 35. Front cover 83 is made of plastic and is snap locked onto top cover 43 and base rplate 75. ¦
~hield plate 81 scrves as an electrical shield.
~lodule 13 includes a chassis 101, a base plate 39, a baffle 67 and a set of covers iO3, 91 and 107. Chassis lOl differs fro(n chassis 35 only in its internal confi~uration (to accommodate the different components contained thereln). Covers ... .. ... . ... ............
- ~
103 and :l07 dirfer from covers 77 and 83 on~y with respect to thelr access slots (it any). Ilodules 17 and 19 each include a chassis, 109 and 111, respectively, a base plate 39, a bafEle 67 and a set of back covers 113, and 115 respectively, a top cover 91 and a set of front covers 117 and 119 respectively.
~lodules 13, 17 and 19 may also include a shield plclte 81, if needed. Chassis 109 and 111 d:i~fer .from chassis 37 only in their internal configuration. Back covcrs 113 and 115 and front covers 117 and 119 differ from covers 41 and 47 only with respect to their access slots ~iE any).
When the modules are positioned side by side, the male protrusions 59 and 61 in the left side wall oE one chassis extend through the slots 55 and 57 in the right side wall of the lcft adJacent chassis and the alignin~; tab 62 on the left side wall of one chassis extends through alipninp~ hole 5&
in the right side wall of the leEt adjacent chassis. l~djacent chassis nre locked topether by a pair of slide bars 121-l and 121-2 which extend throuh slots 122-1 and 122-Z formed in a flange 123 on each left side wall and throu&h each pair of protrusions. Slide bars 121 are maintained in place by retainin clips 125 which clip over the slide bars onto flange 123.
In the operation of system 1l, the modules are cooled by a flow of air generated by blower which is directed through the duct in each module and which exits through the ventilation slots formed in the chassis and covers. The perforated wal]
~3 in the baffle underneath each chnssis di.rects a part of the stream cooling air up into the chassis and allows some of the air to pass through to the next module.
, ~
~ 3 '~he embodiment of the preserlt invention is intended to be rilerely exemplary and those .skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it witho~lt departing Eror.l the spirit of the present invention.
~11 s~ch variations and modiEi.cations are in~:ended to be within the scol)e of the present invet:ion as deEine(i in the ~Ipp~n~ d c LAim5
Claims (12)
1. A modular computer system comprising a plurality of modules adapted to be positioned in a row in side-by-side relationship, each module having a unit of a computer system, said plurality of modules including a first module having therein a power supply unit, a second module having therein a central processing unit and a third module having therein a data storage unit, means for electrically connecting adjacent modules and means for mechanically interlocking adjacent modules.
2. The modular computer system of claim I and wherein each module includes a box shaped chassis in which said unit of said computer system is mounted, the internal configuration of each chassis depending on the unit contained therein.
3. The modular computer system of claim 2 and wherein each chassis includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a back wall, first and second side walls and an open front.
4. The modular computer system of claim 3 and wherein said first side wall in each chassis includes a pair of locking holes and said second side wall in each chassis includes a pair of locking protrusions, said locking protrusions in one chassis extending through said locking holes in said adjacent thereto.
5 . The modular computer system of claim 4 and wherein said means for mechanically interlocking adjacent modules comprises a slide bar which is adapted to be inserted through said first pair of protrusions.
6. The modular computer system of claim 2 and wherein said means for electrically connecting, adjacent modules comprises a pair of electrical connectors mounted on each chassis.
7. The modular computer system of claim 2 and wherein each module further includes a base plate mounted underneath each chassis which also serves as an air duct.
8. The modular computer system of claim 7 and wherein each module further includes a baffle mounted between said chassis and said air duct.
9. The modular computer system of claim 8 and wherein the module at one end of said row includes a blower for generating a stream of cooling air.
10. The modular computer system of claim 2 and wherein each module further includes removable back, top and front cover panels.
11. The modular computer system of claim 10 and further including a pair of end cover panels, one mounted on each end of said system.
12. The modular computer system of claim 1 and wherein said data storage unit is a floppy disk drive.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51467583A | 1983-07-18 | 1983-07-18 | |
| US514,675 | 1983-07-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242523A true CA1242523A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=24048228
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000459018A Expired CA1242523A (en) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-07-17 | Modular computer system |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0132152B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS6089223A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR850002124A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU580737B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1242523A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3480514D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (23)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4754397A (en) * | 1985-02-15 | 1988-06-28 | Tandem Computers Incorporated | Fault tolerant modular subsystems for computers |
| GB2178600B (en) * | 1985-07-26 | 1989-01-11 | Mecanismos Aux Ind | Unified automobile control arrangement |
| GB2187893B (en) * | 1986-03-15 | 1988-11-30 | Unisys Corp | Shielded equipment enclosure |
| GB2189083B (en) * | 1986-03-15 | 1989-11-08 | Burroughs Corp | Equipment enclosure |
| US4758924A (en) * | 1986-05-29 | 1988-07-19 | Honeywell Bull Inc. | Electronic equipment housing |
| IT1218104B (en) * | 1986-06-27 | 1990-04-12 | Sgs Microelettronica Spa | DESIGN METHOD OF INTEGRATED MICROCALCULATORS AND INTEGRATED MODULAR STRUCTURE MICROCALCULATOR OBTAINED BY THE ABOVE METHOD |
| US4739451A (en) * | 1986-12-31 | 1988-04-19 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Modularly expandable desktop keyboard |
| US5070732A (en) * | 1987-09-17 | 1991-12-10 | Square D Company | Modular sensor device |
| US4870863A (en) * | 1987-09-17 | 1989-10-03 | Square D Company | Modular switch device |
| AU592296B3 (en) * | 1989-04-14 | 1989-11-24 | Stephen Kovacs | Filtering of air-born particles from the cooling system of personal computers |
| JPH0412019U (en) * | 1990-05-16 | 1992-01-31 | ||
| DE9103503U1 (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 1991-06-20 | Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Ag, 4790 Paderborn, De | |
| GB2256319A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1992-12-02 | Alvey Computer Systems Limited | Power supply unit/computer systems |
| US5194693A (en) * | 1991-10-21 | 1993-03-16 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Machien module connecting mechanism |
| WO1996014614A1 (en) * | 1994-11-03 | 1996-05-17 | Hany Neoman | Single computer control system for a wide range of electronic devices |
| DE19642953A1 (en) * | 1996-10-17 | 1998-04-23 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Telecommunications exchange |
| FR2809198A1 (en) * | 2000-05-17 | 2001-11-23 | Cibox Distrib | Computer system with interconnected modules secured to each other to form a mono-block assembly |
| US6618254B2 (en) | 2001-09-05 | 2003-09-09 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Methods and apparatus for securing disk drives in a disk array |
| AU2002368174A1 (en) * | 2002-08-14 | 2004-03-03 | Gideon Raphael Goudsmit | Multimedia rack and remote control therefor |
| KR20030076171A (en) * | 2002-10-11 | 2003-09-26 | (주)맥산시스템 | Thin client with functional expandability |
| US9785187B2 (en) * | 2014-08-07 | 2017-10-10 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Modular computing device |
| US9430001B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2016-08-30 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Modular computing device |
| US20230073519A1 (en) * | 2021-09-08 | 2023-03-09 | Vertiv Corporation | Electronic equipment enclosure with enhanced mounting flexibility |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2138376C3 (en) * | 1971-07-31 | 1978-05-24 | Licentia Patent-Verwaltungs-Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt | Cooling system for electronic devices housed in cabinets |
| JPS51130121A (en) * | 1975-05-06 | 1976-11-12 | Panafacom Ltd | Data processing equipment with a separate power cabinet |
| US4271479A (en) * | 1977-10-20 | 1981-06-02 | International Business Machines Corporation | Display terminal with modularly attachable features |
| US4247882A (en) * | 1979-04-17 | 1981-01-27 | Gould Inc. | Universal input/output system construction for programmable controllers |
| DE3041546C2 (en) * | 1980-11-04 | 1983-11-03 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Housing for accommodating several communication technology assemblies |
| JPS5833735A (en) * | 1981-08-24 | 1983-02-28 | Sony Corp | Electronic device |
| EP0076657A3 (en) * | 1981-10-03 | 1983-06-08 | Boothroyd Stuart Limited | Housing for electrical apparatus |
| AU566289B2 (en) * | 1983-05-02 | 1987-10-15 | Hydron Limited | Centrifugal casting |
-
1984
- 1984-07-16 KR KR1019840004176A patent/KR850002124A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1984-07-16 AU AU30721/84A patent/AU580737B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1984-07-17 DE DE8484304876T patent/DE3480514D1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-07-17 EP EP84304876A patent/EP0132152B1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-07-17 CA CA000459018A patent/CA1242523A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-07-18 JP JP59149263A patent/JPS6089223A/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU3072184A (en) | 1985-01-24 |
| KR850002124A (en) | 1985-05-06 |
| EP0132152B1 (en) | 1989-11-15 |
| AU580737B2 (en) | 1989-02-02 |
| JPS6089223A (en) | 1985-05-20 |
| DE3480514D1 (en) | 1989-12-21 |
| EP0132152A2 (en) | 1985-01-23 |
| JPH0246965B2 (en) | 1990-10-18 |
| EP0132152A3 (en) | 1986-04-02 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |